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Richard Piatt reportingThis was the day for political junkies in Utah. Both Republicans and Democrats hosted their annual statewide conventions today. And both parties brought out a couple surprises.
The highlight of the day for Republicans: a keynote address from Presidential hopeful Senator John McCain. With a mix of inspiration and political savvy, McCain stressed the importance of keeping the economy strong---and the Republican ball rolling.
Sen. John McCain, (R) Arizona: "We've got a Republican House, a Republican Senate, and a Republican in the White House, and we've got to keep it that way..."
Later, to reporters, he admitted that may be easier said than done this year.
Sen. John McCain, (R) Arizona: "Seriously, we have great challenges."
For McCain, and many candidates, immigration is a big issue this year. That issue helped bring disappointing results for a few candidates. Most notably, for Congressman Chris Cannon.
Facing two challengers going in, Cannon ended up in a primary fight with newcomer John Jacob. Jacob told delegates Cannon is also vulnerable over his effectiveness on education, and the national debt. Now, it's on to a larger crowd.
John Jacob, (R) Candidate For Congress: "Now I have to show people that I can be a Congressman. And if I can do that, he will not be our next Congressman."
Jacob reportedly has a lot of money to spend, and Cannon is disappointed at what a primary fight will cost. But he is also geared up: recalling his battle against an ad campaign two years ago on the immigration issue.
Rep. Chris Cannon, (R) Utah: "90-thousand people heard it in one day that I was for amnesty. And it's not true. It's just not true."
Meantime Legislator LeVar Christensen gathered 84 per cent of delegate votes in the Second Congressional District.
That means he can move into a direct fight with incumbent Democrat Jim Matheson.
LeVar Christensen, (R) Candidate For Congress "We're going to win this race on because we're right on the issues, we're going to win on the issues, it's going to be a positive principled campaign."
"In spite of Republican strength in Utah, no candidate this time is taking anything for granted. 2006 will be a very unique election year, and a lot can happen in the 6 months before Election Day.
For Democrats, this is a year full of hope---both nationally and in Utah.
Democrats say this is a year that scandal and poor approval ratings have plagued Republicans. Most of all, Democrats are counting on the re-election of Congressman Jim Matheson, who is running for his third term. He is energized about the upcoming race with Legislator LeVar Christensen.
Rep. Jim Matheson, (D) Utah: "This is going to be an exciting election year. We have fantastic candidates running for office on the democratic ticket in Utah."
Meantime, U-S Senate hopful Pete Ashdown is hoping Utahns are ready for a change after almost 30 years of Orrin Hatch in office. He says his campaign will focus on transparency in government and citizens' right to privacy.
Pete Ashdown , (D) Candidate for US Senate: "What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If the White House wants my calling records, fine, but I want theirs."
A hot race for statewide Democrats came in district 25, which runs from the University area, east to Park City. Four candidates ran. In the end, Josh Ewing and Christine Johnson were selected to run in the June Primary.
